Hiring a car during the Christmas holiday period

So, you got your P’s and now it’s time to go on holidays with your family and/or friends. To ensure you have a fantastic holiday be sure to follow some of the following tips to make your time away enjoyable, safe and affordable. Be sure to do your online research for all types of car hire companies and read the fine print.

There is limited number of Australian rental car companies that are able to hire to drivers under the age of 25 as well as drivers holding an Australian Provisional Drivers Licence. Most of the time you can rent a car if you are on your ‘P’ Plates but you must be on a “full cover” package if you are over 21 years of age.

Another important aspect of choosing a hire car that is right for you is to choose a car that you may be comfortable with i.e. choose a vehicle like the size and style of the car you have learnt to drive in. You are a much safer driver if you are feeling comfortable with your surrounds. Remember, only drive automatic transmission vehicles, or clutch less manual vehicles, if you took your driving test in this type of vehicle. Your licence card will show the A034 condition on the front.

Vehicle restriction laws

P1 and P2 drivers are banned from driving high-performance vehicles that have:

P1 drivers under 25 are not permitted to drive with more than one passenger under 21 between the hours of 11pm and 5am. P1 or P2 drivers who are issued with a new licence after a period of being disqualified from driving, will for 12 months only be allowed to carry one passenger.

Very important things to check

Remember to ask the car hire company any relevant questions such as, when the car last was last serviced and the phone number of who to contact if you have any problems.
Always write down the actual odometer reading to keep a personal record of how many kilometres the hire car has done. Lastly, filling the vehicle with a full tank of fuel before returning is usually cheaper than the rate which the set out by the car hire company to do so.

Insurance

Be sure to read the fine print very well. You may find that shopping around can save you quite a lot. Whilst rental vehicle excess benefit does not take the place of Rental Vehicle Insurance. 1cover.com.au will reimburse you up to $5,000 on our comprehensive plans for any excess or deductible which you become legally liable to pay under your Rental Vehicle hiring agreement if the Rental Vehicle is involved in an accident while you are driving, or is damaged or stolen while in your custody.